[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 96 (Thursday, June 26, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   REMEMBERING THE CONTRIBUTION AND LIFE OF GEORGE THOMAS ``MICKEY'' 
                                 LELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2003

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today, as we consider a resolution 
recognizing the work of our late colleague in the alleviation of 
hunger, I would like to honor George Thomas ``Mickey'' Leland for his 
contributions to this country and the world. He may have been the 
greatest advocate for the hungry that the House of Representatives has 
ever known. Mickey was born on November 27, 1944, in Lubbock, Texas. 
From 1972, when he was first elected into public office, until his 
death in 1989, Mickey Leland fought on behalf of the hungry, poor and 
less fortunate around the world. Neither partisanship nor race nor 
political boundaries prevented Mickey from reaching those who needed 
him. Republicans and Democrats alike respected Mickey for his 
determination and moral rectitude. I urge my friends and colleagues in 
this chamber to honor Mickey's memory by rededicating ourselves to 
eradicating world hunger and the poverty which is its cause.
  In 1984, Leland co-authored legislation creating the House Select 
Committee on Hunger. It was the Committee's responsibility to focus 
solely on the widespread problems of hunger and malnutrition. Mickey 
chaired the Committee from its inception until his death. The 
Committee's efficacy stemmed from his unwavering moral leadership. He 
legislated on infant mortality, fresh food for at-risk women and 
children, and comprehensive services for the homeless. Mickey Leland 
refused to narrow the scope of his energy and dedication to his own 
country. Following reports of famine in sub-Saharan Africa, Speaker 
``Tip'' O'Neil appointed Leland to lead a bipartisan Congressional 
delegation created to assess the magnitude of Africa's needs. The 
findings of that delegation resulted in $800 million in humanitarian 
relief.
  In his pursuit to help the needy, Mickey traveled around the world. 
He met with Fidel Castro to reunite Cuban families and traveled to 
Moscow as part of joint U.S.-Soviet food initiative to Mozambique 
following the Cold War. He met privately with Pope John Paul II in 1987 
and 1989 to garner support for his efforts in Africa. Mickey did 
everything he could. Those of us who were privileged to serve with him 
in this Congress were always inspired and challenged by Mickey to do 
more to alleviate the suffering of the people whom Jesus called ``the 
least of these.''
  Mickey died just as he lived, trying to help. He never passed 
leadership to others when he could infuse a project with his warmth and 
energy. Mickey was leading a mission to a refugee camp in Ethiopia when 
his plane crashed, killing him and 15 others. Mickey died on August 7, 
1989, near Gambela, Ethiopia.

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